MARCH’S BIRTHSTONE – AQUAMARINE

This month’s birthstone is the beautiful gemstone known as Aquamarine - the symbol of honesty, fidelity, courage, youth and beauty.

Deriving its name from the Latin aqua marina, meaning ‘water of the sea’, aquamarine is found in a range of beautiful blue hues that span from light sky-blue to deeper sea-blues.

Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, the same family as emerald and morganite. The best aquamarines have clear bright colours and good translucency.

This beautiful gemstone is thought to highlight the end of one cycle and the beginning of another – just as the month of March represents both the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring.

According to legend, the gemstone originated in the treasure chests of mermaids. The Greeks and the Romans knew the aquamarine as the sailor’s gem, ensuring safe and prosperous passage across stormy seas.

In Medieval times, the gemstone was thought to reawaken the love of married couples.

Aquamarine was also considered the most appropriate morning gift to give to a bride by her groom following the consummation of their marriage.

Aquamarine is also said to promote love, marriage, friendship and fidelity and therefore makes the perfect anniversary gift or birthday gift. Pravins have a carefully-edited range of fine quality aquamarine jewellery.